Parallax Press is a nonprofit publisher, founded and inspired by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. We publish books on mindfulness in daily life and are committed to making these teachings accessible to everyone and preserving them for future generations. We do this work to alleviate suffering and contribute to a more just and joyful world.

The Dhammapada

The Path of Truth

I encourage you to carry this small book in your pocket and use it like a mirror, reflecting your deepest true nature back to you. —Thich Nhat Hanh, from the Foreword

For 2,500 years, The Dhammapada has been an essential Buddhist classic. This special edition was translated from the original Pali text by The Venerable Ananda Maitreya, and provides a key to the fundamentals of early Buddhist philosophy.

Let us welcome this new translation of The Dhammapada, a simple and profound jewel of the Buddha’s teaching.—Jack Kornfield

This seemingly simple book enjoys in Buddhism the place that E=MC2 does in physics. Both subsume vast worlds in compact explicating principles. —Houston Smith

The ancient verses of The Dhammapada contain the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. This wonderful translation joins the accuracy of a great scholar monk with the down-to-earth wisdom of a poet-grandmother edition. It’s a joy and blessing to read. —Joseph Goldstein

An essential book for your shelf and pocket. A wonderful fluid translation. Every young person going away to school should read #5 The Fool, p. 17.”—Michael Malone, Books Inc., Staff pick